The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Oxford Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Oxford, you may be familiar with the local incubators and entrepreneurial programmes offered on campus. While these initiatives provide valuable support, expanding your horizons could significantly increase your odds of long-term success. In fact, one study found that 87% of startups that went through top-tier programmes were still active after five years, compared to just 44% of those that went it alone. That’s the kind of difference the right programme can make.

But how do you know if an incubator programme is right for you? With so many rigid, one-size-fits-all options out there, finding the right fit can be tough. That’s where EWOR comes in: a uniquely flexible platform combining global mentorship, funding opportunities, and a prestigious network – designed specifically to help ambitious founders thrive.

In this article, we’ll explore five key reasons why Oxford students should look beyond their local incubators and consider EWOR to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.

1. Access to Global Mentorship

Many university incubators and local programmes offer mentorship from faculty, alumni, or nearby founders. While helpful, these perspectives are often limited to regional markets and conventional startup paths.

EWOR operates borderless, on a global scale. Fellows are paired with mentors who have founded and scaled companies across continents and industries – including unicorns like SumUp, Adjust, and ProGlove. Rather than sporadic office hours, mentorship is built into the fabric of the programme – modular, consistent, and personal.

Oxford's local incubators provide valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. These programs connect startups with experienced professionals, often with deep local ties and expertise in relevant sectors like science and technology. Mentors offer guidance on various aspects of building a business, from idea validation and strategy to securing investment. The value of local mentors lies in their understanding of the specific Oxford ecosystem, including access to talent pools and networks of investors and experts. This local support helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges and leverage regional advantages, contributing to the growth and success of new ventures in the area.

With EWOR, you’ll have the chance to work with mentors who have scaled their businesses across different countries and industries, providing invaluable insights that can help your startup succeed in the global marketplace.

2. Larger Funding Opportunities

While local incubators may provide grants or limited seed funding, securing substantial capital is often a challenge for early-stage entrepreneurs. EWOR offers up to €500,000 in initial funding for selected startups, which can significantly boost your ability to develop your business. Moreover, EWOR provides access to a global network of investors, venture capital firms, and angel investors, ensuring that you have the opportunity to secure further rounds of funding as your startup grows.

Oxford offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and associated programs. The Oxford Seed Fund, a student-and-alumni led venture fund, invests up to £100,000 in early-stage startups with an Oxford affiliation. Oxford University Innovation (OUI) also runs a Startup Incubator that supports student ventures and helps them become investment-ready, connecting them with mentors and investors. Additionally, programs like the Oxford Young Entrepreneurs (OYE) Grant Program and the Summer Company program provide grants and support for young entrepreneurs and students. The university's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship is further demonstrated by reinvesting returns from successful student-led startups back into incubator programs.

By choosing EWOR, Oxford students can tap into larger funding sources, giving them the financial support needed to scale their businesses more effectively.

3. A Highly Selective and Prestigious Network

One of the main advantages of EWOR is the highly selective nature of its community. EWOR accepts only the top 0.1% of applicants, bringing together some of the world’s most talented and ambitious entrepreneurs. 

This exclusivity doesn’t just elevate the quality of each cohort — it also unlocks access to an extraordinary network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders. Just to name a few: Fabrice Grinda, one of the world’s leading angel investors and founder of OLX; Christian Kroll, founder of Ecosia, Europe’s largest search engine after Google; and Vaitea Cowan, co-founder of Enapter, (€640M IPO) and a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Energy. 

Oxford's local incubators foster a strong network and community for students. Initiatives like the StEP Ignite programme, run by Oxford University Innovation (OUI), provide students with training, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate on turning research into businesses. The Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre and Oxford Entrepreneurs also offer platforms for students to connect, attend events, and find like-minded individuals. These incubators and support systems facilitate connections with experienced entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors, helping students build valuable networks and gain practical insights. They create a collaborative environment through workshops, events, and shared workspaces, encouraging students to develop ideas and ventures together.

While local incubators at Oxford may provide valuable networking within the campus or regional ecosystem, EWOR’s global network opens doors to entirely new levels of collaboration. Fellows work alongside peers from dozens of countries and industries, connecting with elite investors, unicorn founders, and seasoned operators.

As many fellows have said, the community is one of the most unexpected – and most valuable – parts of the experience. “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

4. Flexibility and Remote Access

Many local incubators require in-person participation, which can be limiting for students balancing coursework, part-time jobs, or other commitments. 

Oxford's local incubators, such as the Oxford University Innovation (OUI) Startup Incubator, primarily offer in-person programs. The OUI Incubator's Phase 1 is an in-person program with hands-on workshops. While some programs, like micro-internships, may offer remote or hybrid options depending on the host, the core incubator support often requires physical presence in Oxford for access to facilities, mentors, and networking. This in-person structure, while providing valuable resources and connections, may impact student participation for those unable to be physically present in Oxford. However, some resources and networking events may have virtual components.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. Oxford students can access top-tier mentorship, founder-led education, and global resources without needing to relocate or follow a rigid schedule. Whether you’re validating an idea or scaling your first product, you’ll have the freedom to build around your life, not the other way around.

And if you're worried about missing out on in-person connection – don’t be. EWOR hosts real-world gatherings like the EWOR Connect and EWOR House, a multi-day retreat where fellows, alumni, and investors connect in person. We also organise city-based meetups and our flagship Grand Pitch event, which brings hundreds of top-tier investors together twice a year. So while the programme is remote-first, it’s far from remote-only.

5. Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Education

Local incubators often provide valuable workshops and learning modules, but they may be limited in scope and depth. EWOR offers over 200 exclusive videos, workshops, and educational modules designed by top entrepreneurs and industry experts. This comprehensive entrepreneurial education covers everything from refining your business idea to scaling and securing funding, ensuring that you develop both as an entrepreneur and a leader.

Oxford's ecosystem offers various educational supports for aspiring student entrepreneurs. The Oxford Foundry provides online learning resources and an accelerator program. Saïd Business School offers programs like "Building a Business" with free resources and the "Entrepreneurship Project" for MBA students. They also have an E-School with on-demand content from experienced entrepreneurs and investors. The Skoll Centre supports social enterprise through programs and a scholarship. Additionally, there are summer schools with business and entrepreneurship courses for different age groups, covering topics like business planning, market dynamics, and financial literacy through workshops and real-world applications. The Careers Service also connects students with workshops and resources.

With EWOR, you’ll gain access to a more extensive and detailed entrepreneurial education, giving you the tools needed to overcome challenges and succeed in today’s competitive startup landscape.

That’s a Wrap

While Oxford's local incubators offer great resources for students starting their entrepreneurial journey, EWOR provides an unmatched opportunity for those looking to take their startup to the next level. With access to global mentorship, larger funding opportunities, a highly selective network, flexible remote programmes, and comprehensive entrepreneurial education, EWOR offers Oxford students the chance to build and scale their startups on a global stage. If you’re ready to look beyond local incubators and accelerate your entrepreneurial success, EWOR could be the ideal platform for you.

Image credits: Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash